somebody cares

How do you broach very different tastes in decor? My wedding is coming up, and I was talking to my mom about decor, and she got really excited. Her taste differs from mine, so how do I tactfully get my ideas across before she starts buying things that are to her taste and not my own? (think gingham bows)

I was at a party last night, and the conversation came around to "the Native problem" and everyone started making comments in fake Native accents, and they all thought they were being so funny. I'm Metis, and I was the only one there so I kept my mouth shut. Now I just feel crappy that I didn't say anything. I mean, I don't come from the tribe they were ridiculing but it still made me mad. And at first they were talking like they care about First Nations issues (in that superior way that sets my teeth on edge) then it devolved into blatant bigotry. Should I write these people off? What do you say when people start making fun of a race, (and they don't know that you identify with it, because you can "pass")?

I have no problem with tipping, but it was 10% then 15%, and now now I'm told it's 20%! Whatever happened to the owner paying decent wages, and tips were a thank-you for being great? You may say that if I can't afford to tip 20%, perhaps I ought not go out, but really, is this any better? Is a modest tip better than not going out at all?

While surfing the Yahoo news I was suprised by a violent and offensive pop up ad for a movie called 28 days (?) It was marketed by foxatomic.com It flashes disturbing scenes of what looks to be a woman in captivity. If anyone else has been offended by this ad, you should complain. I did!

I'd also like to know who else is getting mildly um tipsy by themselves? Okay yah I know....

I've been on a few dates with this guy, I'm not sure if we are exclusive. Should I get him something small? Or just have a gift on hand ,like a book in case he gives me something.

I just don't want to put him on the spot, like I'm assuming things about our relationship...

I had this guy ask me out on a date, so I don't think he sees me as one of the guys.... However, when I spoke to him last ,he addressed me by my last name. First of all, nobody in my circle of friends do that. And secondly I dislike it.

How do I view this, and should I politely correct him should it happen again?

Oh and he did it when he was with his buddies.... So is he just a really immature 30something?

I am a very sporty person, I wear shorts for running, climbing, all that kind of stuff. I guess I have a dancers attitude about body - I'm not embarrassed, and most people I know in my community are pretty cool people who also don't have any hangups about sports attire. Anyway, I was climbing at a popular tourist spot, and I saw a lady in a Burka, only eyes showing. Now do this mean that she is limited in the type of activities that she can pursue? I mean its not like you can run a marathon in a burka, what is the deal, are you ladies sidelined by the dress codes?

P.S. I don't mean any disrepect, I'm just curious

I' mgoing out tonight for dinner. I'm not sure what sort of place we're going to so what is appropriate? I don't want to dress right up and then its casual, but I don't want to be underdressed either. I'm thinking nice dark jeans, with a sweater, maybe a nice necklace, and cute shoes. or should I wear a dress??? Ah I hate first dates - any answers would be cool

Okay here's the deal:

An ex of mine are not really friends. At all. And he's got a friend that is just terrific. He was here for a week last winter, and we hung out and just had alot of fun together.(My ex and I were no longer dating)

Now I'm thinking of inviting him to come out again, but I' m afraid that it would be offensive to my ex. I would not care to strain a friendship between them.

There is nothing, not even friendship between my ex and I, and I don't think he cares about me in any way.

And to be honest, I think his friend is great, I look for his qualities when I look at other guys because I was just so impressed by him.

So I guess I could develop a crush on this guy.

Should I invite him to come visit, or forget him all together?

Are we all being brainwashed? Is there a saturation of porn in our society? Whats up with the waxing trend?

I've spent alot of time in the sun, I wear sunscreen, but I still tan. Now my skin looks dull and rough. How do I combat that. And no, I can't stay inside, my career is outdoors, and not about to change